Labour chief welcomes new focus on technical education

The major changes to the education system, announced by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, aim to give pupils from the age of 14 the opportunity to combine core academic subjects, including English, maths and science, with high-quality technical education linked to jobs and industries in their local area. The reforms seek to put technical and vocational education on an equal footing with traditional academic routes and, for Northumberland, could create clearer routes into industries including engineering, construction, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health and social care, digital technology, hospitality, tourism and the rural economy. Schools, colleges, councils, regional leaders and employers will work together to design pathways that reflect the skills local employers need and the opportunities available within local communities. Young people will also have more opportunities to meet employers, visit workplaces, take part in practical projects and gain meaningful work experience before making important decisions about their future. Cllr Scott Dickinson, leader of the Northumberland Labour Group, said: “The county’s young people have enormous talent and ambition, but for too long too many have been made to feel that university is the only route to a successful and rewarding career. “That simply is not true. Whether a young person wants to become an engineer, a builder, a nurse, a chef, a mechanic, a care worker or work in clean energy or digital technology, their skills should be recognised, respected and supported.” He added: “In Northumberland, we have growing industries alongside established local employers that are crying out for skilled people.

"We need our schools, colleges, employers and local leaders working together so young people can see the opportunities available on their doorstep and understand how they can reach them. “This is particularly important in our rural and coastal communities, where young people can face additional barriers because of transport.” The plans follow warnings that more than one million young people aged between 16 and 24 are currently not in education, employment or training. The Government says employers will be encouraged to play a greater role by providing mentoring, workplace visits, practical projects and high-quality work experience.